Today we’d like to introduce you to Erik Henderson.
Hi Erik, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
When I purchased a throne chair from Indonesia for a photoshoot about six years ago for my birthday, I didn’t know that would lead to the start of my business, Royal Exchange. After posting the photos to social media, I received more than 1,000 likes and hundreds of shares. People were reaching out to me asking how they could find chairs or rent mine. I began to notice the high demand for the chairs, I found a vendor, purchased more than 20 chairs, and that’s how the business started in
2019. Now my customers can rent or purchase over 125 custom thrones for any occasion.
Since the launch, I have garnered the nickname “Throne Kang.”
Most of my customers learn of my business solely via social media and word of mouth, and my ultimate goal is to grow a celebrity-based clientele.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but every challenge strengthened the business and positioned me for greater success. Early on, I had to navigate securing quality inventory, refining my delivery systems, and building trust with clients in a competitive event market. There were moments when growth felt fast and demanding, but I leaned into it, improved operations, and stayed focused on offering premium service. Each obstacle became a lesson that helped elevate Royal Exchange into the reliable, high-end throne rental experience people know today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m in the business of creating moments and I do that through custom, designer throne chairs for adults and kids. People know me as the ‘Throne Kang,’ and I wear that title with pride because it reflects the excellence and creativity behind my work. I specialize in offering high-quality, eye-catching thrones that instantly elevate any event, from birthdays and baby showers to weddings, proms, and corporate celebrations. A throne has a way of brightening someone’s day. It gives people a sense of importance, confidence, and royalty, and I love being the go-to person who can bring that experience to life. I’m especially proud of how far the company has grown, from a single chair to a full lineup, and of the partnerships I’ve built with local brands and HBCUs across Alabama. What sets me apart is the level of care, customization, and customer experience I bring to every booking. When people want to feel like royalty, they call the Throne Kang.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My advice for finding a mentor and building a strong network is simple: stay curious, stay humble, and stay connected to people. I graduated with a degree in business administration, so a lot of what I learned in class laid the foundation. Things like understanding consumer needs, managing operations, and building relationships. But honestly, the hustler mentality is what drove Royal Exchange forward. I learned early on that people will guide you, support you, and open doors for you if you show up consistently and add value. What worked for me was putting myself in rooms where I could learn, networking events, local business mixers, HBCU functions, and community gatherings. I asked questions, listened more than I talked, and wasn’t afraid to reach out to people who inspired me. Mentorship doesn’t always come from one person; sometimes it comes from a community. The key is knowing the needs of people, being genuine, and keeping relationships alive. That’s how I built Royal Exchange, and that’s how I continue to grow.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thronekang.com/index.html
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/THRONEKANG/
